Australian Open: ‘Unbelievable’ – Novak Djokovic stuns Taylor Fritz and fans with moment in opening game

Novak Djokovic left his opponent and the fans inside Rod Laver Arena stunned in the opening game of his quarter-final showdown with Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

The world No. 1 and defending champion, who is eyeing a remarkable 11th crown at Melbourne Park this fortnight, forced the American into a staggering 24-point opening game in blistering heat before he could belatedly get on the board.

Djokovic produced an outrageous piece of athleticism and skill as he claimed a point he had no right in taking at one of the many deuces on Fritz’s serve, with the crowd’s response demonstrating how special it was.

A backhand return was just the start as the Serb got into an extended rally, and before long he was at full stretch on that side again as Fritz forced him across the court and into a tricky position.

The 12th seed from San Diego then pulled off a sublime drop shot that looked certain to have given him the point with his opponent scrambling at the back of the court and out of position.

Somehow, Djokovic managed to not only get to the ball but flick it cross-court on the slide with the wonderful effort landing very close to the line and leaving Fritz to stand looking dumbfounded near the net.

Eurosport commentators Chris Bradnam and Miles Maclagan were left as amazed as the fans at Melbourne Park.

“How is that?!” Bradnam wondered aloud.

Maclagan added: “Unbelievable! Almost just taunting Fritz, just giving him a little bit of space to see how much ground he covers.

“He went the wrong way initially, still got there with the skill to get in front of it in a bad position.”

Djokovic is not only aiming for an 11th title at Melbourne Park, but also a men’s record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles crown.